Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)

All applicants for Federal Work-Study (FWS) must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FWS eligibility cannot be determined until the need analysis information from the FAFSA has been received and reviewed.

The FWS program is a need-based program which provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students to help meet the cost of education.  Eligible students may work either on-campus or off campus at an elementary school participating in the America Reads or America Counts program.

Employment is arranged around class schedules.  The hourly rate is currently $8.00 and enrollment for at least six credits during the semester is required.  Your work assignment typically will be assigned by the requesting department and they set the hours per week that is needed for that department. If you wish to be considered for this program, please contact the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility. FWS cannot be applied to your student account to cover tuition, but is paid in the form of a paycheck every two weeks.

In addition, interested students may participate in America Reads or America Counts which are off-campus tutoring programs launched by the Clinton Administration. The major objectives of these programs are: (1) to have all children reading well and independently by the end of the third grade and (2) to provide mathematics tutors for students in elementary school through ninth grade. The site for this program is Middletown Elementary School located in Middletown Virginia.

Work Study Policies

Eligibility

You must meet all eligibility requirements for federal and state student financial aid and demonstrate financial need to be considered for work-study.

Application

In order to be considered for FWS, please make sure you complete both the FAFSA and the work-study application, which is online so you must get the link and application code from the financial aid office.

Student eligibility for FWS is determined by the Financial Aid Office based upon a student’s financial need. The student’s financial need is the difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution (the amount the student and/or family is expected to contribute towards his/her education), and any other type of federal and/or state aid received. You cannot earn more than your award allotment.

Assignment

After you have submitted the FAFSA and know your financial aid status at Laurel Ridge CC you may contact the Financial Aid Office to inquire about a work-study application. Once your application is received, and processed through the Human Resources Office, your application is made available to all current supervisors who are have open positions for work-study student employment. Once a position has been offered to you, the Human Resources Office will contact you with the next steps. The Human Resources Office works all new hires, including work-study students to complete the required paperwork and payroll forms required before employment can begin. The Human Resources Office works in conjunction with the Financial Aid Office to monitor student eligibility is maintained throughout the semester.

Responsibilities

After you accept a position, you must report to work regularly and on time. Call your supervisor directly if you cannot report to work. If you do not report to work, call your supervisor, or satisfactorily fulfill the requirements of your position, you may be dismissed. Personal calls and meals should be scheduled before or after work hours, or during scheduled breaks, if applicable. You should dress appropriately for the job.

Confidentiality

Your work-study job may expose you to sensitive information, including but not limited to student records, financial data or sensitive IT systems. As a result, all positions require a criminal background check. Please remember confidentiality must be maintained. Breaches of confidentiality and/or any act of dishonesty may result in your dismissal from the program.

Time Sheets

Time sheets must be completed every two weeks in PeopleSoft and a printed copy with the supervisor’s signature must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office. The supervisor’s signature constitutes a statement of work performed.

College Holidays

You will not work when the college is officially closed. Your supervisor must approve any exceptions to this policy and initial the time sheet.